Virtual Reality Coral Reef Research Lab

Sixth-grade learners virtually explored underwater coral reef environments to discover the effects of global warming and current successful regeneration solutions. This virtual reality experience was part of the initial research process in a mini problem-based learning unit in science. After a Google Earth journey to the reef locations of Apo Island in the Philippines, the deep reef in the Red Sea, and the Aquarius Reef Base off the Florida Keys, learners compared panoramas for further research based on their observations. Coral nurseries and artificial museum reefs like Isla Mujeres in Mexico set the foundation for a simulation design. We are looking forward to the innovative results from our budding scientists.